As the University’s comprehensive campaign nears launch, Farrell reflects on philanthropy’s power to connect communities and shape higher education.
Over Meliora Weekend, which takes place September 18 to 21, the University of Rochester will publicly launch For Ever Better, the $1.75 billion comprehensive fundraising and engagement campaign rooted in the Boundless Possibility strategic plan. As federal policies reshape the landscapes of research, healthcare, and higher education, this initiative has only gained in urgency and importance.
On August 20, Thomas Farrell, senior vice president for University Advancement, spoke with Joe Testani, deputy to President Sarah Mangelsdorf, during a webinar sharing insights on what the campaign means for the institution, how it connects to our priorities, and why this moment matters more than ever. The following excerpts capture Farrell’s reflections on how the new campaign advances the University’s strategic vision.
The launch of Boundless Possibility
“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”
Farrell offered this reminder during the opening exchange of the conversation. Testani reflected that the University’s strategic plan demands balance—between philanthropy and engagement, between stakeholders’ passions and institutional priorities, and between sustaining the institution and broadening its reach. Farrell added that the University receives 55,000 gifts annually, a testament to broad-based commitment and engagement across generations.
In addition to ambitious philanthropic goals, the For Ever Better campaign is distinguished by an engagement initiative. This includes energizing and reconnecting the University community, welcoming new supporters, deepening relationships with alumni and friends, and creating meaningful volunteer opportunities. It ensures that the campaign is not only about fundraising but also about building a vibrant community that will champion the University well beyond the life of the campaign.
The campaign connection
“A campaign lets us tell our story in a concise, organized, time-bound way.”
For Ever Better marks the most ambitious campaign in the University of Rochester’s history. Already, more than $800 million has been raised toward the $1.75 billion goal, with scales poised to tip toward completion. Campaigns typically span seven to eight years and move through phases, including:
- Alignment with the strategic plan
- A quiet phase to build leadership momentum
- The ceremonial public launch
This cycle provides Rochester with the opportunity to inspire, engage, and connect across various touchpoints and platforms.
Research and healthcare leadership
“The relationship between the best providers and clinical outcomes is critical.”
The University’s research enterprise is defined by discoveries that have real-world impact—across healthcare, science, the humanities, and the arts. As examples, Farrell cited Strong Memorial Hospital’s expansion, Wilmot Cancer Institute’s new National Cancer Institute designation, and the Transplant Institute’s distinction as one of the best in the country to illustrate Rochester’s leadership in advancing patient care. He also credited David Linehan, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry and CEO of the Medical Center, for his commitment to recruiting top talent.
What’s at stake
“This is bigger than philanthropy—it’s about the future of higher education, academic health centers, research, scholarship, and changing people’s lives.”
Farrell acknowledged growing skepticism around the value of higher education, as well as federal disruptions to healthcare and research. He noted that the University’s endowment lags behind its peers, creating pressure in a competitive market. But with these challenges reframed as opportunities, he described the For Ever Better campaign as a call to action and a chance to unite communities around the University.
The campaign’s goals include raising 150 endowed professorships, with 90 already achieved, and expanding financial aid to ensure access for all capable students. “Financial resources are the prerequisite to excellence,” he said.
Takeaways
- Philanthropy fuels identity. “We cannot be who we are without the commitment of those who care about our mission,” Farrell said.
- The campaign will tell powerful stories. Organized, time-bound, and team-focused, it frames Rochester’s impact in a way that connects with donors.
- Every gift makes a difference. 55,000 gifts per year affirm a culture of ownership across the community.
- The future requires investment. Endowment growth, student affordability, faculty support, and next-generation facilities are critical.
- Engagement lasts a lifetime. From a student’s first application to young alumni programs to career mentorship through the Meliora Collective, connection animates our global network.
What the campaign means
The For Ever Better campaign is about more than just raising funds. It’s also about sustaining the University of Rochester’s mission in a turbulent environment. Donors and volunteers make possible life-changing scholarships, cutting-edge research, innovative healthcare, and global networks of learning and mentorship. Every contribution—large or small—reinforces a culture of ownership that ensures Rochester’s future.
